Erika Tada graduated with an MFA from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2005, and a PhD from Tokyo University of the Arts in 2012. Her poetic artwork cherishes her personal experiences and the feelings associated with them through the use of objects that play key roles in commemorating her memories. Her focus is on the techniques of pâte de verre and casting.In 2001, Vetro Magazine named Tada “Best Debut Artist at SOFA Chicago”, and in 2005, she was a winner of the international student exhibition of GAS conference in Australia. She has held residencies at The Corning Museum of Glass, Pilchuck Glass School, Tacoma Museum of Glass, Hastings College, and a fellowship from UrbanGlass. She has been an instructor at numerous schools including Rochester Institute of Technology, Pilchuck Glass School, Corning Museum of Glass, Bullseye Glass Company, Pittsburgh Glass Center, and Jacksonville University. Her artwork is shown at many galleries throughout the US, and in Japan. She is currently teaching at Tokyo University of Arts, Japan.